SFU defenceman James Isaacs signs with CHL's Rio Grande Killer Bees

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The Simon Fraser University Men’s Ice Hockey program is pleased to announce that defenceman James Isaacs (Victoria, B.C.) will embark on a career in professional hockey this fall after signing a contract with the Rio Grande Killer Bees of the Central Hockey League.

Isaacs was a key member of SFU’s 2011 B.C. Intercollegiate Hockey League championship-winning team after joining the Clan in January. The former Fort McMurray Oil Baron (AJHL) made an immediate impact, scoring five goals and totalling 17 points in 13 regular season and playoff games while also logging important minutes on the penalty kill and in key defensive situations.

"James was a tremendous contributor during his time at SFU are we’re thrilled that he’s earned the opportunity to take the next step in his hockey career with Rio Grande," says Clan general manager Jeff Dubois. "James is a highly skilled defenceman who has the ability to make big plays at both ends of the ice and I believe he has all the tools to be a successful player at the professional level."

The Rio Grande Killer Bees are located in McAllen, Texas and compete in the 18-team CHL. The Killer Bees are led by head coach and general manager Terry Ruskowski, who played 15 seasons in the NHL and WHA and has over 20 years experience as a head coach in the WHL, ECHL, IHL and CHL.

"Ever since I started playing competitive hockey I always wanted to play at the highest level possible," says Isaacs. "That being said, I always wanted to be prepared to go to the next level. I felt that after my season at SFU that the coaching staff and management had prepared me to make the jump to pro."

"With the great contacts that GM Jeff Dubois and Head Coach Mark Colletta have, once they knew my wishes it was easy to get in touch with pro teams throughout North America and Europe. Rio Grande has a history of being a great organization and moving players on to the next level, so when the opportunity presented itself it was an easy choice."

Isaacs will return to Burnaby to skate with his former teammates when SFU’s 2011 training camp opens on August 27th in preparation for departing for Rio Grande and his first pro camp in late September.